Attributed to Salvador Fernández de Salazar

Attributed to SALVADOR FERNÁNDEZ DE SALAZAR; New Spain, 17th century.
“Virgin of the Milk.”
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Shows signs of repainting and damage.
Measurements: 42.5 x 33.5 cm.
The painting stands out for the softness of the faces, the rich colors of the robes in shades of blue and carmine, as well as the refined rendering of the crowns and the folds of the clothing—characteristics typical of viceregal painting. In New Spain, this devotion was introduced by religious orders during the 16th and 17th centuries as part of their evangelizing efforts. Although it was less common than other Marian depictions, such as the Immaculate Conception or the Virgin of the Rosary, it retained a significant presence in convents, private oratories, and devotional collections. During the 17th century, New Spain painting reached one of its peaks of technical and aesthetic refinement, integrating European models with a distinctive style characterized by the delicacy of the figures, rich color, and a marked sense of spirituality. This work, attributed to Salvador Fernández de Salazar, is part of this pictorial tradition. Active in New Spain during the 17th century, Fernández de Salazar is known for his religious compositions.
The Virgin of the Milk is one of the oldest and most endearing Marian iconographies in Christian art. Its origins date back to Eastern Christianity, and it became widely popular in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Flanders. The image depicts the Virgin Mary nursing the Infant Jesus, emphasizing both the humanity of Christ and the motherhood of Mary. This representation symbolizes the spiritual nourishment that the Virgin offers to the faithful and serves as an allegory of charity, protection, and the Incarnation.